Disposable and reusable comlex shaped see-through endoscope

Abstract

Transparent domes useful for covering at least a lens located on a scope's distal face, taking the form of a single layer membrane affixed to the distal end of the scope, a solid cap attachable to and detachable from the distal end of the scope, or an inflatable and deflatable balloon having an exterior wall for contacting at least the lens at the scope's distal face. Methods for performing diagnostic or diagnostic and therapeutic procedures within bodily cavities including collapsed intestines using transparent domes and scopes.

1 - 48 . (canceled) 
     
     
         49 . A transparent dome for covering a distal face of an endoscope, including:
 a proximal end for sealing against at least a portion of the distal end of the endoscope; and   a distal face for contacting a wall of a body cavity.   
     
     
         50 . The transparent dome of  claim 49  further including:
 an air-intake portion configured to seal around an air source; 
 wherein the transparent dome is inflatable. 
 
     
     
         51 . The transparent dome of  claim 50 , wherein the transparent dome further includes an inflatable balloon configured to seal against a lens of the endoscope. 
     
     
         52 . The transparent dome of  claim 51 , wherein the balloon includes a flat region for sealing against the lens. 
     
     
         53 . The transparent dome of  claim 50 , wherein the transparent dome is inflatable to a first inflated state and a second inflated state. 
     
     
         54 . The transparent dome of  claim 49 , wherein the transparent dome further includes an overhanging portion extending radially and proximally outward from the proximal end of the transparent dome. 
     
     
         55 . The transparent dome of  claim 49 , wherein the transparent dome further includes a channel axially extending between the proximal and distal ends of the transparent dome and configured to attach and radially surround a catheter insertable therein. 
     
     
         56 . The transparent dome of  claim 49 , wherein the transparent dome is configured to be held by a catheter at a side region of the transparent dome. 
     
     
         57 . The transparent dome of  claim 49 , wherein the transparent dome includes a generally convex distal face having a concave region positioned radially outwards of a maximally distal center point. 
     
     
         58 . The transparent dome of  claim 49 , configured to filter at least one frequency of visible light. 
     
     
         59 . The transparent dome of  claim 49 , wherein the transparent dome is a solid cap attachable to and detachable from the distal end of the endoscope. 
     
     
         60 . The transparent dome of  claims 59 , wherein the solid cap has a generally circular axial projection. 
     
     
         61 . The transparent dome of  claims 59 , wherein the solid cap has a generally crescent-shaped axial projection. 
     
     
         62 . The transparent dome of  claim 59 , wherein the transparent dome includes a generally convex distal face having a concave region positioned radially outwards of a maximally distal center point. 
     
     
         63 . The transparent dome of  claim 59 , configured to filter at least one frequency of visible light. 
     
     
         64 . The transparent dome of  claim 59 , wherein the transparent dome further includes:
 a radially-outermost portion configured to extend radially beyond a radial extent of the endoscope.   
     
     
         65 . The transparent dome of  claim 49  wherein the transparent dome is a transparent single-layer membrane affixable to the distal end of the endoscope and inflatable into a generally dome-like shape. 
     
     
         66 . A method for performing an endoscopic procedure using an endoscope having a lens located at a distal end of the endoscope and a transparent dome sealed to the distal end of the endoscope, the transparent dome including a proximal end for sealing against at least a portion of the distal end of an endoscope and a generally convex distal face for contacting a wall of a body cavity, the method including:
 inserting the endoscope and the transparent dome into a body cavity;   viewing, through the lens and the transparent dome, at least a portion of the body cavity; and   while viewing, using a therapeutic device extending from the distal end of the endoscope and exterior to the transparent dome on the portion of the body cavity being viewed.   
     
     
         67 . The method of  claim 66 , wherein the step of using occurs while at least a distal tip of the transparent dome is in a pool of blood or is in direct contact with mucosa. 
     
     
         68 . The method of  claim 66 , further including:
 inserting a catheter holding the transparent dome through an operative channel of the endoscope;   after inserting, inflating the transparent dome;   after inflating, contacting, by pulling the catheter proximally relative to the endoscope, at least the lens on the distal end of the endoscope with an exterior surface of the inflated transparent dome, wherein the transparent dome is held on a side of the catheter and wherein a therapeutic device of the catheter is withdrawn into the endoscope during the pulling; and   slightly deflating the transparent dome and advancing the catheter and the withdrawn therapeutic device distally relative to the endoscope such that the therapeutic device becomes exposed while the transparent dome continues to contact at least the lens on the distal end of the endoscope.